Glasgow is known as a bit of a party town and a trip up to Scotland over the festive season will not disappoint those who are after a good time.

From the Christmas lights switch-on in mid-November, to the Hogmanay celebrations, which usually last into the first few days of January, the city is taken over by Winterfest.

The two-month party includes live music, ice skating, fireworks and family entertainment.

George Square is transformed over the period, as half is taken over by a custom-made ice rink, which will provide hours of fun for all ages, and the other half makes way for the Big Stage.

It is here that the festivities will be centred; the Big Stage will be the platform on which the chosen celebrities switch on the city's Christmas lights, bands will perform here and the new year will be counted down to in the Hogmanay celebrations.

The square is situated right in the centre of the city, an ideal spot for those who want to do a bit of shopping, get last-minute souvenirs or try out traditional Scottish food and drink in some of the many nearby restaurants and cafes.

Scotland is famous for its haggis and neeps, and of course whisky, and a visit to the city is an ideal time to sample the local produce.

At the end of November St Andrew's Day is celebrated throughout Scotland, and in Glasgow this involves a two-day music party and festival called the Shindig concerts.

There is also an annual Big Familiy Ceilidh, which will give visitors a chance to try out a bit of traditional dancing.

At the start of December, the annual Santa Dash, a 5k run for charity, is a fantastic sight in the city as hundreds of people dressed as Father Christmas take part.

Hogmanay is the highlight of Winterfest and George Square is a great place to celebrate both the last day of the year and the first of the new year.

Each year, the stage is taken over by established music artists as they perform to the crowds, and then after the clocks have struck 12, there is a spectacular fireworks display to bring in the new year in style.